Chapter 2: Knuckles:

Sonic's POV:

I was just resting on a tree branch.

"Sonic," says Sally, "Robotnik has been spotted flying around over the ocean."

"As a reminder," I said, "I don't do water."

"Don't worry," says Sally, "Rotor and your new sidekick have you covered."

"He's not my sidekick," I said, "I work alone!"

"Right and while Rotor and Tails show you their invention, I'm going to learn more from my new friend, Nicole here," says Sally.

"I can provide you with much information," says Nicole.

. . .

I then met with Tails and Rotor. "It's called the X-Tornado," says Tails, "we can use it for aerial travel!"

"Great," I said, "except, I fly solo." I then got in, but... I had no idea how to fly it. I then looked at Tails. "Fine, since I'm going to need a pilot."

"I don't think Sally would like the idea of you bringing a kid along," says Rotor.

"Good point," I said, "Rotor, you wanna fly it?"

"Oh, I'm afraid of heights," says Rotor.

"Of course you are," I said. I then saw Rosie. "Rosie, can you fly?"

"I'm not a field person, Sonic," says Rosie, "but thank you for asking."

I then sighed. "Make sure to tell Sally," I said.

Sally's POV:

"He's doing what," I asked.

"Only because he gave in," says Rotor, "Tails was the only option!"

"Great," I said, "well, hopefully, Sonic will keep him safe. Tails may be... unnaturally smart, but he's still just a kid."

"Hey, how's Bunnie doing," asks Rotor.

"She's still adapting," I said.

Bunnie's POV:

Aah was tryin' to blow dry mah hair... but aah broke another hair dryer. Then aah was tryin' own some new shoes 'n aah broke 'em. Is this 'unna be mah life from now own?

Sonic's POV:

Tails and I were looking for Robotnik.

"I see him," says Tails.

Robotnik then started blasting at us. "Does this thing have any weapons," I asked.

"You bet," says Tails.

We then fired back and Robotnik fell from the sky. "We better get down on... that... floating... island..."

"Woah," we both said.

Robotnik's POV:

I then got up and I saw a large stone. "What is..." I then stepped closer. "Is that what I think it is?"

"Back off," says this red echidna with very large hands.

"Oh, uuuuuuuuummmmmmmmm, hello. You probably know who I am..."

"Should I?"

"You have no idea who I am?"

"I've been on Angel Island for years. We don't get much news here."

I then realized I could use this. "Is that the legendary Master Emerald?"

"That depends." He was ready for a fight.

"No, I wouldn't dream of trying to take it... but I know someone who would!"

"I'm listening."

Sonic's POV:

Tails and I were walking across the island.

"This doesn't make sense," says Tails, "islands can't fly!"

"Neither can foxes," I said.

"Fair point," says Tails, "but how is this possible?"

"Hey, you get the feeling someone's watching us," I asked.

"I see something red," says Tails, "so it has to be Robotnik!"

"Sorry, Ro-Butt-Nik," I said, "but you can never have my power!"

Then we saw a different red guy, one with huge fists. "Do I look like I need your power?"

"Who are you," I asked.

"Your worst nightmare."

I then tried to fight this guy, but he was beating me down. "I was expecting more of you. You're unskilled. Untrained. And unworthy!"

"You forgot one. Unstoppable!"

I tried to land a hit, but this guy was the real unstoppable one!

"Sonic, he's as strong as you are fast," says Tails.

"I noticed," I said.

"Give up?"

"Look, tourists," I said. The red guy then looked and Tails and me were able to book it.

. . .

"I think we lost him," I said.

"Sonic, who was that guy," asks Tails.

"One angry dude," I said.

"Sonic!" We looked and saw Longclaw.

"Wow, that's Longclaw," asks Tails.

"Longclaw, what brings you here," I asked, "and why didn't you offer any help? It's a lot better than relying on the K-I-D here!"

"You know I can spell, right," asks Tails.

"Sonic, there's something I must tell you," says Longclaw, "years ago, my people the owls were at war with the Echidnas over one item, the Master Emerald! My people stole it from them because it was beginning to corrupt them, but then I returned it after it... did something horrifying. The one you met was Knuckles, the current Guardian of the Master Emerald and probably the mightiest warrior on Mobius!"

"Are you serious? The Master Emerald? That's just a bedtime story."

"Robotnik has convinced Knuckles that you are his enemy," says Longclaw.

"Doesn't he know Robotnik's ruining the planet," I asked.

"Somehow, I don't think he has a reason," says Tails, "this place seems pretty isolated. Look. Doesn't look like anyone of Robotnik's forces has ever been here."

"Sonic, you must show Knuckles he is on the wrong side," says Longclaw.

"Can't you talk to him," I asked.

"I doubt he'd trust an owl," says Longclaw, "I must go!" She then flies away.

"Wait, at least take... great."

"I know you don't exactly want me on this mission," says Tails, "but I'm still gonna help!"

"Let's just go," I said.

. . .

Tails and I were walking when Knuckles showed up. "There you are," says Knuckles, "I don't know what a tourist is, but I have a feeling there aren't any on this island!"

"Knuckles, listen," I said, "Robotnik's using you!"

"Do you have proof," asks Knuckles.

"UUUUUUUUUhhhhhhhhh... did he have proof that we were the bad guys?"

Knuckles was about to attack me, but then he stopped. "No... he didn't."

"Ya see," I said, "you gotta believe me!"

"So, you expect me to believe you just because neither of you have any proof," asks Knuckles.

"UUUUUUUUUhhhhhhhhh... how was your day," I asked.

Knuckles was about to hit me, but then Tails threw sand in his eyes. I then did a spin dash and knocked him out.

"We should probably leave now," says Tails.

"Good idea," I said.

. . .

Tails and I then left in the X Tornado.

"I hope we never run into that guy again," I said.

Knuckles' POV:

I was watching as Robotnik repaired his ship. "So, you didn't destroy them?"

"They left the island," I said, "there's no need to."

"Fair point," says Robotnik, "well, I'll be going too. Wanna come?"

"I have to stay with the Maser Emerald," I said.

"Oh, of course. But I will count on you in the future, won't I?"

I stared at him. "Sure." Robotnik then left. I don't really trust him, but I'll help him... for now.

In the next chapter, Princess Sally and Antoine follow up on a lead that suggests that her father, King Acorn, may be alive. I know the Sonic the Hedgehog fanfiction has a different version of Knuckles being tricked by Robotnik. I just forgot about it.